DUBAI, December 13, 2021 (WAM) – Expo 2020 Dubai hosted the World Health Organization (WHO) celebration of Universal Health Coverage Day, which falls on December 12, under the theme “Do not leaving no one behind: investing in health systems for all “.
On this occasion, Expo 2020 Dubai dedicated a day to celebrate global efforts towards universal health coverage and the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for global prosperity.
The ceremony was attended by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Office of Expo 2020 Dubai, Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Health Sector and Government Health Sector Officials.
In attendance from WHO were Dr Tedros Adhanom, WHO Director-General, Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and a number of officials from the health sector and the WHO.
Also in attendance was an elite group of international speakers who shared their views and aspirations on universal coverage and on how to create a healthy and enabling environment for communities.
The event provides a global platform and a perfect opportunity for policymakers and representatives of organizations and pavilions from over 100 countries attending Expo 2020 Dubai to discuss future strategies, to develop a global system of universal health coverage, which improves the capacity of countries to deliver positive initiatives for societies.
It is also an opportunity to forge permanent partnerships and offer effective solutions to the challenges our world is facing today in the face of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A common goal In his speech, Al Owais welcomed the Director-General of WHO and all participants and thanked the organization and its staff for their considerable efforts in promoting and developing opportunities for cooperation among Member States.
“Our common goal today is to continue working to strengthen cooperation in our efforts to achieve universal health coverage. This is achieved by joining forces, exchanging experiences, leveraging all tools and available resources and harnessing knowledge and technology, and anything that would help raise the level of health services and access to a healthy and quality life, ”Al Owais added.
Support the efforts of the WHO “The United Arab Emirates, through the hosting of this global event, wish to reaffirm their concern to promote synergy between the Member States, to progress towards sustainable development and quality health care in the world, in addition to playing an effective and impactful role in supporting the efforts of the World Health Organization, ”said Al Owais.
He added that the event coincides with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, a stage in which the state is working to achieve a paradigm shift in its development march, to prepare plans and projects and anticipate the future of the next fifty years.
This represents a qualitative addition to the UAE’s efforts to support the system of joint work with the World Health Organization, he said in conclusion.
Health care for all Dr Hussain Al Rand praised the tremendous efforts of WHO to achieve universal health coverage and fight against the coronavirus and its mutated strains.
Al Rand highlighted the importance of the event in developing joint global strategies to support equitable access to universal coverage, especially vaccines, treatment and health services based on the principles of solidarity and sustainability, through approaches based on access to basic health services for all.
